Nepal – DofE Gold Award

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Overview

Duke of Edinburgh’s Gold Award

This five day trip is designed for students to develop skills such as communication, navigation, self reliable, team building and a better understanding of other key curriculum topics. It helps to develop independence and a sense of personal responsibility. Students will get the experience of backpacking along the Himalayan range and learn about sustainable trekking as well as self-reliant camping in the Mountain.

Students will have already been given maps of the area they will be trekking in, and have determined their route. They will complete the expedition by their own self-sufficient means, carrying all of their own equipment in order to successfully complete the Expedition phase of their Award. When not trekking, students will have time to work on personal aims.

day to day

day 01

Arrive

Arrive at Kathmandu airport and drive to the hotel. After check-in, there will be a safety and orientation briefing on your expedition followed by dinner and rest and relaxation at the hotel. Students will have the opportunity to look over their preparation work that they have completed for the expedition and make plans for any obstacles they may face during the expedition if they have not already done so.

day 02

Drive to Sundarijal - Trek to Chisopani (7hrs / 2300m)

An hours drive takes you to Sundarijal and the starting point of the trek. Follow Kathmandu's water supply pipe steeply uphill and come out into typical terraced farmland from where the views back to the city are superb. Continue up onto a ridge and enter the serene forests of the Shivapuri National Park and see the stunning views views towards the Jugal Himal, the Langtang peaks and the Ganesh Himal. Set up your campsite in the village of Chisopani and prepare your evening meal.

day 03

Trek to Nagarkot (7hrs / 2175m)

Today, the group will trek to to Chauki Bhanjyang, which takes about 2.5 hours. Continue the charming trails towards the hill retreat of Nagarkot - one of Nepal’s most popular destination. It commands sweeping views of the Himalayas. Five of the world's ten highest peaks, Everest, Lhotse, Choyu, Makalu and Manaslu are visible from here. Set up your campsite and watch the sunset whilst preparing dinner.

day 04

Trek to Dhulikel (6hrs)

After breakfast, start your trek through the jungle on a wide beaten dirt track before descending into a valley and stopping for a lunch break near the small town of Nala. After lunch, climb up to Mane Bhanjyang and descend down to Rabi Opi village. Meet and interact with genuine local people along the way, which adds another dimension to your Himalayan experience. Hike for a further 1 hour which will bring you to Dhulikhel town, where you will set up camp for the night and enjoy a dinner prepared by yourselves.

day 05

Trek to Balthali - via Namobuddha (5-6hrs)

Today will see the group hike towards to Namobuddha - one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Buddhism followers. After having lunch at Namobudhha, hike down to Sankhu village and continue to hike further down to Roshi river and climb up to Balthali village - an outstanding place of isolation and relaxation surrounded by Nepali countryside which will be home for the night.

day 06

Trek to Panauti / drive to Kathmandu (3hrs)

After a final campsite breakfast breakfast in Balthali, start hiking towards the expeditions’ final destination - the small town of Panauti. Taking approximately 3 hours the group will pass Nepane, Salmitar and Sunthan village. Reaching the end of your incredible trek, the group will be driven to Kathmandu. Check-in to your hotel and enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation before dinner.

day 07

Departure

Depending on flight times, the group will have some free time for shopping in the vibrant Thamel area before transferring to the airport for your departure flight.

Adventures by Camps International is the specialist expedition brand of the Camps International Group. We focus on delivering outstanding adventures that are safe, challenging and meaningful. Our heritage is in the high mountains of the Himalayas, and through our unique network we can offer bespoke challenge-based expeditions and adventure trips worldwide.